What Rashi Means in Your Chart
Rashi (राशि) is the Vedic zodiac sign a 30-degree arc of the sidereal ecliptic. Jyotish uses 12 Rashis beginning with Mesha (Aries). Unlike Western sun-sign astrology, your most important Rashi is typically your Lagna (rising sign), not the Sun's sign. The Rashi a planet occupies colors how that planet expresses a planet in a friendly Rashi operates comfortably; in an enemy's Rashi, it struggles.
Twelve Rashis at a Glance
| Rashi | Element | Ruler |
|---|---|---|
| Mesha (Aries) | Fire | Mars |
| Vrishabha (Taurus) | Earth | Venus |
| Mithuna (Gemini) | Air | Mercury |
| Karka (Cancer) | Water | Moon |
| Simha (Leo) | Fire | Sun |
| Kanya (Virgo) | Earth | Mercury |
| Tula (Libra) | Air | Venus |
| Vrishchika (Scorpio) | Water | Mars |
| Dhanu (Sagittarius) | Fire | Jupiter |
| Makara (Capricorn) | Earth | Saturn |
| Kumbha (Aquarius) | Air | Saturn |
| Meena (Pisces) | Water | Jupiter |
How to Use Rashi in Readings
First, identify the Rashi on your Lagna (1st house cusp) this is your Janma Rashi by body and temperament. Then note what Rashi each planet occupies. A planet in its own Rashi (Swakshetra) or exaltation (Uccha) is strongest. Rashis also determine which houses are Kendra, Trikona, or Dusthana from your Lagna a critical step before judging any planet's benefic or malefic role.